'Real Housewives of Australia' coming to Foxtel in 2013

Foxtel has confirmed that Real Housewives of Australia will launch in 2013, and will be produced by Matchbox Pictures, the production company behind Underground: The Julian Assange Story, The Slap and The Straits.

"The Real Housewives franchise has enthralled, bemused and dazzled millions internationally, and we are thrilled to be commissioning a local version," said Foxtel's executive director of television Brian Walsh.

"The Real Housewives of Australia will tap into the qualities and idiosyncrasies that are uniquely Australian whilst embracing all the drama, antics and extravagance we have come to love when observing these pampered wives of the uber riche."

There are six versions of Real Housewives currently airing on Bravo, and the show has made cast members such as Camille Grammer, Michaele Salahi, Teresa Guidice and Brandi Glanville household names in the US.

One season of The Real Housewives of DC also aired on the network during 2010, and the format has already been exported internationally to countries including Brazil, Greece and Ireland.

The Australian version will focus on five women, according to a statement issued on Friday (November 9). Ten hour-long episodes have been ordered, and the show will air on Arena.

Matchbox Pictures managing director Chris Oliver-Taylor added: "The Real Housewives of Australia is sure to be compelling viewing, and we are looking forward to unearthing the very best local examples of this next set of housewives, bringing to the Foxtel audience all of the drama, glamour and wholly entertaining storytelling that the worldwide series has brought to international audiences."

Casting for The Real Housewives of Australia is due to begin in the next few weeks.